Vic railway stations become smoke-free

SMOKERS at Victorian railway stations and raised tram platforms must butt out from Saturday or face a $212 fine.

All areas of railway stations and raised platform tram stops will now be smoke-free under state government changes.

Until now, smoke-free zones have only included covered areas of railway platforms and inside covered tram and bus shelters.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder says the changes will help eliminate waiting commuters being exposed to second-hand smoke.

Authorised officers, protective services officers and police will have power to issue $212 fines to adults who smoke in the restricted zones.

Under Victorian law changes, smoking bans at outdoor children's playground equipment, skate parks, public swimming pool complexes and sporting venues during organised underage sporting events will take effect from April 1.